Indonesia issues new tsunami warning after powerful 8.2 aftershock

A massive earthquake off Indonesia’s western coast triggered tsunami fears across the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, sending residents in coastal cities fleeing to high ground in cars and on the backs of motorcycles. Authorities said there were no reports suggesting a major threat.

April 11, 2012 People riding motorbikes and cars packed the street in Banda Aceh after a strong earthquake struck Indonesia province. An 8.6 magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia on Wednesday, sending residents around the region scurrying from buildings and raising fears of a huge tsunami as in 2004, but authorities said there were no reports suggesting a major threat. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in Aceh, the Indonesian province closest to the earthquake. Reuters